Oldham Schools

The Oldham Schools project involves the ongoing asset management of two secondary schools, The Radclyffe School and Failsworth Academy, providing education to almost 3,000 11-16-year-old pupils in Oldham and across Greater Manchester.

At the time of construction, both buildings made use of an emerging, innovative material, ETFE (Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) which connects the main ‘street’ of each building overhead. The transparent canopies allow 90-95% light transmission across its surface, giving the feeling of ‘letting the outdoors in’ as well as reducing heating costs. The material requires much less energy to produce, compared to glass, and is fully-recyclable at the end of its lifespan.

As part of Kajima’s commitment to social value, Kajima contributed to the setting up of the first Community Fridge, which runs out of Failsworth Academy. As well as providing much-needed support to the local community the initiative also gives students an opportunity to get involved with a sustainable project, developing their social and interpersonal skills, leadership skills and building their confidence. During the academic year 2022/23 the initiative had 758 visits, supporting 2135 individual people, providing 14,945 meals in total. The initiative, led by Co-op and environmental charity Hubbub is part of a major partnership to fast-track the expansion of community fridges across the UK.